At FASCETS, we believe in a different way of supporting individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and other brain-based disabilities - one that is consistent with research on the brain, and that has been shown to improve outcomes.

FAQ

How about neuroplasticity? Can’t a person’s brain fix itself?

Neuroplasticity is defined as the brain's capacity to change and adapt, for example after injuries such as strokes or traumatic brain injuries.

Researchers from University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada, have looked at neuroplasticity in people with prenatal alcohol exposure. They found the potential for neuroplasticity to reverse the alcohol-related effects were limited by a few factors:

Fewer immature neuronal spines meaning less room for maturation, or change, in neurons

Reduced neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus as well as reduced survival rate of cells (new cell generation is necessary for memory)